My plan was to go to the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center and stay at one of their free lakeside campsites.
As this was just an overnight trip, I only used 2 panniers and a frame bag.
The fall colors are coming along nicely.
The 17 mile trip was entirely paved until I came to the cross country ski trail that leads to the campsites. Trish and I scouted the trail last year, so I knew which of the ten campsites I wanted.
Lo and Behold, the site was available. As a matter of fact, I believe the other nine were open too. The only company I had was an owl, a few woodpeckers, and a couple of geese.........and cars on the road, and gunshots in the near distance. Next time I'll probably go further up the trail. Wearing blaze orange probably wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Ultimately, I found the view to be well worth having to listen to a little road noise.
After tending to a little campfire, I hit the hay for a very restful 9 hours of sleep.
Overall I had a really good time. The sites there are all really well appointed, especially considering that there is no fee. They will even deliver firewood for $5 a bundle if you reserve a site (which is a $30 fee).
The only part of the experience I didn't like was the loneliness of a solo campfire. I have no issue at all being by myself, it just seems that a campfire is better when it's shared.
I'll try to not let another 2 years go by before I bike camp again. I'll have to start early next year so I can get into the groove.
